Belmont, MI

Yesterday was TGIF for me...and I was happy it was over. My last call of the day was a potential client I talked to a month ago at an open house. At our first meeting during the open house I was informed about the future listing potential of the potential buyers home.

Yesterday she calls and wants to me help her find a temporary rental while she has a home built. Fine I think I can do that...what about the sale of your existing home, I ask.

She then tells me she is going to use a friend if the friend calls back. I laughed out loud...sorry I couldn't help it. I asked why she would pick a friend to sell her most valuable asset. He answer, she wants to help her out...she hasn't sold anything in a while.

I was astonished to hear this. I immediately said, OK your friend hasn't sold anything in a while, and you think this will change because you give her your home as a listing? Do you know how your friend markets homes or herself? The seller answers, "NO not really but she is very nice". Great, your real estate friend is very nice and you will still think that after your home doesn't sell because your friend doesn't have the marketing skills to meet today's demanding market.

By the way why don't you have your friend help you find a place to rent? She hasn't called me back and I don't think she would know anything about short term rental options.

I responded with I'll be glad to help...and I would like you to at least consider both myself and your friend with equal time to review our marketing and sales options before making a final decision to list your property. In exchange for my helping you with a short term rental agreement, when your home sells. Would you consider that fair?

The potential client agreed and I have set a meeting to go over my my marketing and listing options. I wasn't being harsh, I was pointing out the reality that selling takes more than a nice person. It takes marketing skills and market knowledge. Check out some of my "Free" Must Read Real Estate Reports.

You never know what twist will present itself. Selling and Listing real estate can be a very interesting business if you are prepared to meet it's many challenges.

For Personal Service, Call: 616-784-2360 Email: GaryWhite@FlexitRealty.com

We received the letter, and we have been well aware of the "deterioration of Samrick Avenue", but the big signs at the both ends of Samrick are a little less than comforting. Sometimes you never can appreciate a bad road until it is closed!

I am glad to know that the Kent County Road Commission has been planning on a replacement for Samrick Avenue, and is saving us the thousands of dollars that it would have cost to do both of these at different times. I Thank you now before my journey home becomes a true mess of equipment, those @#$! orange barrels and joyful sounds of workers (which I know would rather be doing something other than working in the hot summer with tar and dirt and sewer connections).

Ok, I am not sure how I really feel about this. I am not living right on Samrick and will not be having my mail box, shrub, yard or tree disturbed. (Please feel free to vent here on this blog, I will listen and comment so you won't feel you are alone) I am a lucky one who has the both sewer and water. I have dealt with the West River road and barrels for as long as the rest of us that travel too and from Plainfield to Alpine and use that stretch of road. I have nothing to be upset about other than a little inconvenience when getting to my home right?

Well, I am going to make this an ongoing blog about this event. I will be counting down from day one to

November 1, 2008 (according to the letter that will be the completion date)

Copyright 2008 Charlene Hammontree & U.S. Home and Realty

Belmont, Michigan

Want something to do and a cheap date? Attend this years Spaghetti Dinner and Used Book Sale. Where can you get an endless plate of pasta, connecting with family, friends, neighbors and shop for books? You can't beat this and it will help more kids have the opportuinty to read!

Belmont Elementary School will be holding once again their famous

All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner and Used Book Sale

Friday February 22, 2008

5:30 - 7:30

Belmont Elementary School

6097 Belmont Road

Belmont, MI 40306

Dinner inculdes: spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert, and drink

Adults: $4.50

Children (4-12) $2.00

Under 3 eat free

Maximum of $20.00 per family

All profits to benefit the Belmont Media Center